Manufacturer: Lavochkin

Model: unknown

Name: Lastochka

Type: Jet fighter

Date:

Status: Experimental

Country: Soviet Union

Service: Soviet Air Force

Designation: La-144

In September 1945, the Soviet Union captured a small batch of Messerschmitt Me 262 fighters from Germany. These were redesignated as the Lavochkin La-142 and underwent numerous tests in the latter part of 1945. One of these was modified with a single engine in the nose and designated the La-144.

All the Me 262 and their derivatives were known as the "lastochki" (swallows) as an evocation of their original German name "Schwalbe", but the only aircraft that actually carried the name officially was the La-144 Lastochka, seen in this picture over Zhukovsky airfield some time in December 1945.

• Great idea along with some good photomanipulation, an area that I'm just starting into. This plane actually looks more practical in the Russian design sense than the Yak 15, 18 underslung engine jet types. (RussC)